RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2016-04260

	COUNSEL: NONE

	HEARING: NO

APPLICANT’S REQUEST.  He be allowed to transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill Educational Benefits (TEB) to his dependents.

APPLICANT’S CONTENTION.  Before his 2011 retirement, he contacted his Base Education Office for information on TEB.  However, due to inaccurate counseling, he did not elect to transfer education benefits to his dependents.  The applicant’s complete submission is at Exhibit A.

STATEMENT OF FACTS.  The applicant is a retired senior master sergeant.  He retired from the Air Force Reserve on 1 Jul 11.

AIR FORCE EVALUATION.  ARPC/DPTT recommends denying the application, indicating the applicant did not apply to transfer benefits prior to his retirement.  There is documented evidence the member did receive counseling and had the opportunity to ask for more assistance.  Further, according to the Air Force Automated Education Management System (AFAEMS), the applicant initialed an out-processing checklist acknowledging he read and understood the information.  

The complete advisory, with attachments, is at Exhibit C.

APPLICANT’S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION.  The Board sent a copy of the Air Force evaluation to the applicant on 26 Sep 17 for comment (Exhibit D), and the applicant replied on 6 Oct 17.  In his response, the applicant contends the counseling he received was done in good faith, but was inaccurate.  He was led to believe that if he transferred the benefit to his spouse and she passed he would lose the opportunity to reallocate the benefit to another dependent.  The applicant’s complete response is at Exhibit E.

THE BOARD CONCLUDES:

1.  The application was timely filed.

2.  The applicant exhausted all available avenues of non-judicial relief before applying to the Board.  

3.  After thoroughly reviewing all Exhibits, it is the Board’s opinion that the applicant is not the victim of an error or injustice.  The Board concurs with ARPC/DPTT and finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not substantiate the applicant’s contentions.  Therefore, we find no basis to recommend granting the requested relief.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS:  The applicant be informed the evidence did not demonstrate material error or injustice; the application was denied without a personal appearance; and the application will only be reconsidered upon receipt of relevant evidence not already considered by the Board.

CERTIFICATION: The following quorum of the Board, as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2603, Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR), paragraph 1.5, considered AFBCMR Docket Number BC-2016-04260 in Executive Session on 22 Mar 18:

	, Panel Chair
	, Member
	, Member

All members voted not to correct the record.  The panel considered the following:

Exhibit A: Applicant’s application, DD Form 149, dated 19 Oct 16.
Exhibit B: Documentary evidence, including excerpts from official records.
Exhibit C: Advisory opinion, ARPC/DPTT, dated 1 Aug 17, w/atchs.
Exhibit D: Notification of Advisory, SAF/MRBR to applicant, dated 26 Sep 17.
Exhibit E:  Applicant’s response to Exhibit D, dated 6 Oct 17.

Taken together with all Exhibits, this document constitutes the true and complete Record of Proceedings required by AFI 36-2603, paragraph 4.11.9.